The State of Arizona has adopted a new budget for 2008-2009. The new budget calls for a $50 million cut to the University System. The exact amount of cuts for the UA needs to be determined by the Board of Regents and then by the UA Provost. This process may take a few weeks. We have already initiated a 4% cut on county programs. As soon as we know more about the total cut situation, we will let you know.
The UA is in the process of redesigning their Web site. With its size and many content providers and user groups they are focusing on the top tier pages – the main page and the one or two pages directly beyond. Their request is for all users to provide input through an 10-minute online survey. I strongly encourage you to add your input from an Extension perspective by taking the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=80_2bUxDlEdSvHJtDddJo_2bBg_3d_3d. We would like to have Extension/Outreach featured on the front page.
Registration for the 2008 Faculty Conference, August 19-21, at the Omni Tucson National Resort (2727 West Club Drive, Tucson) is still open and the deadline to register is Friday, July 25. The registration page includes a tentative agenda and options for poster sessions, seminars on wheels (Biosphere 2, BIO5, Campus Agricultural Center , McClelland Park ) and a place to request pre- or post-conference and association and working group meetings. For questions or further information, contact a Planning Committee Co-Chair (Mike Ottman, Jan Norquest, Dan McDonald) or support staff (Sandra Saad, Steven Crofts, Patti B. – 520.621.7205). You can also access the registration page through the "Resources" section of the Extension Web site (http://cals.arizona.edu/extension/employee/resources.html).
Congratulations to Kristine Uhlman who was recently voted Chairperson for the Watershed Subcommittee by the Pima Association of Governments (PAG). PAG is the association of government jurisdictions in Pima County.
Congratulations to Tina Christianson who was selected to fill a three-year term (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011) on the CALS Staff Council.
- Congratulations to Sharon Megdal and her team for a great program in Phoenix on "The Importance of the Colorado River for Arizona's Future" Over 300 people attended with around 25 from CALS, on campus, Ag Centers and county offices. The scenarios of where we might be in 2048 were very interesting and challenging.
- ADEQ renewed the Arizona NEMO contract through 2010 to complete the modeling and mapping of the remainder of the state and the publication of the NEMO Watershed-Based Planning documents. Over the past 6 years, NEMO has completed watershed planning documents for the Bill Williams, Verde, Upper Gila , Little Colorado, Aqua Fria, Middle Gila, Salt, San Pedro and Santa Cruz River Watersheds. In addition, the new scope of work includes upgrading of the NEMO Internet Mapping Service (IMS) to provide state-wide coverage of GIS maps, hydrologic data, and water quality information. Under this new scope the NEMO team will be providing workshops across the state on IMS tools, Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve watershed health, as well as supporting the development of Watershed Implementation Plans.
All counties need to submit a hard and an electronic copy of their annual faculty report for 2007. So far, we only have two. The electronic copy will be used to update individual county Web sites where we found links to county reports as old as 2001 and in several cases none at all. For consistency, accountability and marketing purposes, we need to have these up and current. Electronic copies can be emailed to Steven Crofts who will oversee collecting them and forwarding to Kelly Arizmendi to put on the Web. If you have any questions, contact us.
- Information/Technology wants or needs.RESULTS: Technology needs "written in" by respondents varied, but about 40% related to some kind of online activity. This included creating material, distance learning and training, and using existing sites.CONCLUSIONS: Other than perhaps Dreamweaver, no other needs were clearly defined.RECOMMENDATIONS: Since there were no clear or dominant needs expressed, continue to work on an individual basis as needed.
- Use of non-UA information / technology tools.RESULTS: Google, including the search engine, Google Groups, Google Scholar, was by far the most popular tool used – 84% mentioned using it for the first tool used. Reasons for using Google included ease of use, effectiveness, and popularity. Other tools mentioned included SurveyMonkey, Dogpile, Zoomerang, Mapquest, and Wikipedia.CONCLUSIONS: Google and similar tools are entrenched, due to their ease of use and functionality.RECOMMENDATIONS: The Extension State Office has created a new policy on use of non-UA tools. This is, to basically be aware of what tool is being used, who can access information using it, what kind of information is involved, and how sensitive that information is. The use of these tools is at the discretion of the faculty or staff. As far as youth are concerned, the viewpoint is that it is better to educate them than to try to put up barriers.
- Use of and Participation in eXtension.RESULTS: From all responses, 26% have used the public access eXtension site, while 58% have heard of it but not used it. 20% have looked at the professional development opportunities, while 64% have heard of them but not looked. When it comes to contributing to eXtension resources (Communities of Practice, FAQs, and wikis), the strong response is no (94% average overall, 89% faculty, 98% staff).CONCLUSIONS: While most of Extension is aware of eXtension, most are not using it.RECOMMENDATIONS: Continue to highlight faculty involved in eXtension when appropriate.
This is part of a 7 week series to provide results of the Information and Technology Needs survey. The complete summary document is available upon request. To request the document or ask questions, contact Sheila Merrigan (520.626.6543) or Robert Armstrong (520.621.3872).
James A. Christenson, Ph.D.
(jimc@cals.arizona.edu)
Associate Dean and Director
Arizona Cooperative Extension
Forbes, Room 301
Tucson, Arizona 85721
520/621-7205
520/621-1314 FAX
TMN submittal: http://cals.arizona.edu/extension/tuesday/submittal_form.html